My holiday in Fuerteventura

Historic Temperatures for 20th November in Fuerteventura

Average High

72°F(22°C)

Record High

82°F(28°C)
(2007)

Average Low

63°F(17°C)

Record Low

59°F(15°C)
(1999)

Weather in Fuerteventura

What's the Weather like in Fuerteventura?

Location

The weather in Fuerteventura is unlike any of the other¬†Canary Islands. It sits in the Atlantic, 108 km from the northwest mainland African coast and the weather it experiences is quite unique.¬†Fuerteventura and its neighbouring islands have been called 'the island of eternal spring' because of their pleasant weather throughout the year. There isn't an enormous amount of annual temperature variation. There is still a distinction between the 'summer' and 'winter' months, but the island very rarely experiences temperature extremes.

Rainfall

On the whole, it is thought that the northern shores of each of the¬†Canary Islands¬†(¬†Tenerife,¬†Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma,¬†La Gomera, El Hierro, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa) generally receive more rain than that of the sheltered southern coasts of the islands.

However, due to its proximity to Lanzarote which lies 12 minutes by boat to its north,¬†Fuerteventura¬†is somewhat sheltered from various weather conditions that would typically hit the north side of the island. So in a sense,¬†Lanzarote¬†acts as the northern coast of¬†Fuerteventura¬†which results in the island receiving significantly less annual rainfall than its neighbouring islands.

Climate¬†

On the whole¬†Fuerteventura¬†is generally cooler in summer than nearby resorts, so you may find many people flocking to the island to escape from the harsh heat of the Spanish mainland. The winter sees the island warmer than¬†Majorca¬†and other Spanish resorts, and it is not uncommon for the beaches to still be filled with tourists sunbathing, even in the cooler winter months.

Summer Weather in Fuerteventura¬†

The summer months of June to August see an¬†average temperature¬†of 24¬ļC, this average can be misleading as it has been known to reach highs of 40¬ļC in the height of summer. Its proximity to the African coastline ensures that the island sees plenty of sunshine year round-¬†Fuerteventura¬†boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine per year. Generally the summer highs will average 26¬ļC to 28¬ļC, with low humidity and scarce¬†rainfall. At night time the temperature falls to the low twenties providing an enjoyable atmosphere to kick back and enjoy the island lifestyle.

Windy Conditions

The name 'Fuerteventura' translates to 'strong wind' which is certainly a characteristic of the island. The Canary Islands as a whole are in the path of the regular north-eastern trade wind and the cool Canary Stream, but¬†Fuerteventura¬†in particular is dominated by this. The breeze does provide a welcome cooling relief from the sometimes scorching mid-summer temperatures. Because of its location in the path of trade winds, the island is a great destination for those wishing to revel in wind-powered sports.

Water Tempertature

As the Canary Islands sit in the vast Atlantic Ocean in the cooling Canary Current, the water temperature does not reach the highs of the Mediterranean or more easterly waters. In the warmest of the summer weather, in August and September, the average water temperature reaches 22¬ļC, a good 4¬ļC below what might be expected somewhere like¬†Majorca¬†at the same time of year. Clearly, anything in the twenties is more than bearable and would provide a refreshing break from the heat of the day.

Rainfall

May through until August sees¬†Fuerteventura¬†experiencing very low rainfall amounts nine to ten hours of¬†sunshine¬†each day. If you want to avoid the peak summer crowds of July and August then May and June are an ideal time to visit the island. The weather is gorgeous ‚Äď not too hot but still baking and room to spread out on the beach.

Winter Weather in Fuerteventura¬†

The only period that you can really expect to experience 'bad weather' is during the months of¬†December¬†to¬†March, where it is possible to experience an entire week of wet, windy weather. In saying this, it is highly unlikely that these periods will last for longer than a week at a time. In addition to this, the rain is generally localised around the northern parts of the island.

Rainfall

The annual average precipitation is about 147 mm per year which is exceptionally low. Most of this will fall from October through until March.

Temperature

The winter temperature ranging from 15¬ļC to 22¬ļC is enjoyably mild, making¬†Fuerteventura¬†a popular winter holiday destination. These temperatures are actually warmer than those found on the south coast of England in the height of summer.¬†Padstow, in Cornwall, sees an average high of 18¬ļC in August, the hottest month, while at its coldest in January and February, Fuerteventura's average high is still 21¬ļC.

Sunshine Hours

Making the island's weather perfect for a winter getaway is an average of six-seven hours of sunshine per day, rather better than UK's two.
The water temperature in winter drops to around 19¬ļC in the coolest months.

Weather Hazards

Sandstorms

Fuerteventura can be affected by winds that come from the Sahara, meaning that the island is washed with an agreeable dry, warm breeze as the hot dry air is drawn from the¬†Sahara¬†and eventually reaches the island. On the odd occasion this wind can be burdened with sand particles which can have an uncomfortable whipping affect, particularly if lying on the beach.

This phenomenon, named¬†'Calima'¬†by local inhabitants does not happen too regularly and generally passes quickly. If you are however, unfortunate enough to be present during one of these sandstorms (known as the scirocco), it will have the effect of causing¬†high temperatures¬†and drying air. Temperatures during this phenomenon can often rise by 10¬ļC and the wind brings in fine white sand, lowering visibly to about 100 to 200 m or lower. On the rare occasion the¬†'scirocco'¬†can also bring with it African locusts!

Dust Storms

Another unfortunate consequence of these winds blowing across the Sahara are the¬†dust storms¬†that they can bring to Fuerteventura in the late winter/early spring time, usually arriving in the area between February and March and lasting anywhere from two to four days, although every ten years they can last for up to two weeks.

Though these dust storms are not severe, generally considered to be inconveniences by the locals, they can cover large areas and effect you if you are outside when one hits. The storms lower visibility, often to less than 200m and can irritate the eyes and any breathing problems such as asthma.

For this reason, if you do suffer from a respiratory condition, it is important you make sure you always have any medication you need on you. Be aware also that they can cause flight delays or cancellations. To be safe from these storms, it is best to travel in the summer. ¬†